Jesus calls us to stand alongside those who are poor or vulnerable and to make their needs a priority. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that the measure of any community is how it treats those who have the least. We are asked not only to give practical help but also to raise awareness and speak out for justice, ensuring that every person can share in the fullness of life that God intends.

‘If anyone is well off in worldly possessions and sees their sister or brother in need but closes their heart to them, how can the love of God be remaining in them?’

     1 John 3.17-18

At Our Lady of the Rosary we live out this call in many ways. We support Manna Food Bank with regular collections to help families facing hardship and we have created our own Epiphany Baby Appeal, inviting families to donate essential items for mothers and babies which are then given to Baby Basics. Each year every class organises its own Lenten appeal, raising funds for a chosen charity and supporting CAFOD’s work with communities across the world. Our pupils also take part in CAFOD assemblies and workshops, learning about global poverty and how faith inspires action for justice. We hold a whole-school assembly to support the work of The Passage and raise awareness of the challenges faced by people who are homeless. The Pupil Parliament’s One World Committee helps the whole school to understand these issues and encourages everyone to take part in charitable initiatives. Through these actions our pupils learn that caring for the poor is not only an act of charity but a core expression of our Catholic faith.